How to Manually Add an eSIM on iPhone and Android (2025 Complete Guide)

Quick Answer

If you can’t scan your BaliSIM eSIM QR code (PDF format, screen damage, or camera issues), you can manually enter the activation details instead. 

For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually, then input the SM-DP+ address and activation code found in your eSIM confirmation. 

For Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards > Add eSIM > Enter activation code manually, then paste the full LPA string. 

Both methods take 3-5 minutes and work identically to QR code scanning.

Introduction: When Manual eSIM Setup is Necessary

QR code scanning is the standard, streamlined way to activate eSIMs—just point your camera at the code, tap a button, and you’re connected. But what happens when that doesn’t work?

Common situations requiring manual entry: 

- Your eSIM details arrived as a PDF (can’t scan from same device) 

- Camera is broken or malfunctioning 

- QR code is displayed on your phone (can’t scan what you’re already viewing) 

- Email formatting broke the QR code image 

- Low image quality makes QR code unscannable 

- iOS/Android version has QR scanning bugs

The good news: Manual eSIM activation is just as reliable as QR scanning—it simply involves typing the activation details yourself rather than having your camera read them automatically. The end result is identical, and the process takes only 3-5 minutes.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of manual eSIM setup for both iPhone and Android, including how to extract activation details from different formats (PDF, JPG, email), what each piece of information means, troubleshooting failed activations, and pro tips for smooth installation.

Understanding eSIM Activation Details

Before we dive into step-by-step instructions, let’s understand what information your eSIM actually needs:

The Three Components of eSIM Activation

Every eSIM activation requires these elements:

1. SM-DP+ Address (Server Address)

What it is: The Subscription Manager Data Preparation server address—basically, the server where your eSIM profile is stored.

For BaliSIM Telkomsel eSIM: telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com

Format: Always a web address without https:// or www

Example: telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com

Think of it as: The warehouse address where your eSIM is waiting to be picked up.

2. Activation Code (Confirmation Code)

What it is: Your unique identifier that tells the server which specific eSIM profile is yours.

Format: Usually 20-30 characters with dashes or hyphens

Example: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX or 1$QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

Think of it as: Your order number or claim ticket.

3. LPA String (Complete Activation String)

What it is: The combination of both elements above in a specific format.

Full format: LPA:1$[SM-DP+ Address]$[Activation Code]

Real example:

LPA:1$telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com$QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

Components broken down: 

- LPA:1$ — Protocol identifier (always the same) 

- telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com — Server address 

- $ — Separator 

- QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC — Your unique activation code

Think of it as: The complete sentence containing all necessary information.

Why Two Methods Exist

• iPhone requires: Separated components (SM-DP+ Address + Activation Code entered in separate fields)

• Android accepts: Full LPA string pasted as one complete entry (easier)

Both lead to identical results—just different input methods based on operating system design.

Extracting Activation Details from Your eSIM

Your BaliSIM confirmation will contain activation details in one of these formats:

Format 1: QR Code + Text Details (Most Common)

What you receive:

📧 Email from BaliSIM containing: 

1. QR code image (for scanning) 

2. Text below/beside QR code: SM-DP+ Address: telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com    Activation Code: QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

What to do: - If you can scan: Use the QR code (easiest) - If you can’t scan: Copy the text details for manual entry

Format 2: QR Code Only (PDF Attachment)

What you receive: - PDF file with large QR code - No visible text details

How to extract details (2 methods):

Method A: Long-press QR code barcode

1. Open PDF on your phone (Mail app, Files app, Adobe Reader)

2. Long-press the bottom section of the QR code (the barcode-like part)

3. Tap “Copy” when menu appears

4. Paste into Notes app

5. You’ll see the full LPA string:

LPA:1$telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com$QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

Method B: Use QR code reader app

1. Download a QR code reader app (if you have a second device or someone else’s phone)

2. Scan your QR code displayed on screen

3. App displays the LPA string

4. Copy or write down the details

Format 3: LPA String in Email Body

What you receive: - Plain text email with full activation string

Example:

Your BaliSIM eSIM Activation Details:

LPA:1$telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com$QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

To activate, add eSIM manually using the above string.

What to do: - Copy the entire LPA string (including LPA:1$) - Use for manual activation

Manual eSIM Setup: iPhone Step-by-Step

Prerequisites

• iPhone XS or newer (eSIM support started with 2018 models)

• iOS 12.1 or later (check Settings > General > About > Software Version)

• Carrier-unlocked phone (no carrier lock from AT&T, Verizon, etc.)

• Internet connection (WiFi or mobile data for activation)

• Your eSIM activation details (extracted using methods above)

Step 1: Navigate to eSIM Setup

1. Open Settings app (gray gear icon)

2. Scroll down and tap “Cellular” (or “Mobile Data” in some regions)

3. Tap “Add eSIM” (or “Add Cellular Plan”)

What you’ll see: - If you already have one eSIM, it’s labeled “Secondary” - If this is your first eSIM, it shows “Set Up Cellular”

Step 2: Choose Manual Entry Option

On “Add Cellular Plan” screen:

1. Tap “Use QR Code” (yes, even though you won’t use it)

2. Camera opens—ignore this

3. Look for “Enter Details Manually” link at the bottom (small blue text)

4. Tap “Enter Details Manually”

Camera screen disappears, replaced by text entry form.

Step 3: Extract Components from LPA String

If you have the full LPA string, you need to separate it into two parts:

Example LPA string:

LPA:1$telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com$QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

Break it down:

 

How to separate: 

- Everything between the first $ and second $ = SM-DP+ Address 

- Everything after the second $ = Activation Code 

- Ignore LPA:1$ (protocol prefix—iPhone doesn’t need it)

Pro tip: Paste the full LPA string into Notes app, then manually split it:

Notes app:

SM-DP+ Address:
telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com

Activation Code:
QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

Now you can easily copy each component individually.

Step 4: Enter SM-DP+ Address

On the manual entry form:

1. Tap the “SM-DP+ Address” field (first field)

2. Paste or type: telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com

Important checks: 

- No spaces before or after 

- No https:// or www 

- Exact spelling (one typo = activation failure) 

- All lowercase (copy-paste to avoid errors)

Common mistake: Adding extra characters like: 

- https://telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com (remove https://) 

- telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com/ (remove trailing /) 

-  telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com (remove trailing space)

Step 5: Enter Activation Code

1. Tap the “Activation Code” field (second field)

2. Paste or type: QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC (your unique code)

Important checks: 

- Include all dashes/hyphens exactly as shown 

- No spaces before, after, or between characters 

- Check for lowercase “l” vs capital “I” vs number “1” (common confusion) 

- Verify length matches original (usually 20-30 characters)

Pro tip: Use copy-paste instead of manual typing to eliminate human error.

Step 6: Confirm and Activate

1. Double-check both fields (scroll up to verify SM-DP+ Address)

2. Tap “Next” in the top-right corner

What happens: 

- iPhone contacts the SM-DP+ server 

- Downloads your eSIM profile 

- Progress bar appears: “Activating eSIM…” 

- This takes 30 seconds to 3 minutes (be patient—don’t close Settings)

Status indicators: 

- “eSIM Activated” — Success! Continue to next step 

- “Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change” — See troubleshooting section below 

- Spinning wheel for 5+ minutes — Connection issue; restart and try again

Step 7: Label Your eSIM Line

After successful activation:

1. “Label” screen appears

2. Choose a preset label:

• • Travel (generic)

  • Personal

  • Business

3. Or tap “Custom Label” and type: “Indonesia - Bali” or “Telkomsel”

Why labeling matters: 

- When calls come in, iPhone shows which line is ringing 

- Helps you choose correct line for outgoing calls 

- Prevents confusion if you have multiple eSIMs

Step 8: Configure Default Settings

iPhone will ask several configuration questions:

Question 1: “Which line would you like to use for iMessage and FaceTime?” - Recommendation: Choose your home line (keeps your existing Apple ID contact info)

Question 2: “Which line would you like to use for cellular data?” 

- Recommendation: Choose Telkomsel (your new Indonesian eSIM)—this is what you’re paying for

Question 3: “Allow cellular data switching?” 

- Recommendation: Turn ON if you want automatic switching when Telkomsel signal weakens

 - Turn OFF if you want to avoid accidental data usage on home SIM (could incur roaming charges)

Question 4: “Default voice line?” 

- Recommendation: “Ask every time” (lets you choose per call) 

- Or select Telkomsel if you’ll primarily make local Indonesian calls

Step 9: Verify Activation

Check that everything is working:

1. Look at status bar (top of screen):

• • You should see TWO signal indicators (dual SIM active)

  • One labeled “Primary,” one labeled “Telkomsel” (or your custom name)

2. Go to Settings > Cellular:

• • Both SIM lines should show “On”

  • Telkomsel should show “Data” next to it (indicating it’s your data line)

3. Test data connection:

• • Turn OFF WiFi

  • Open Safari and visit any website

  • If it loads, your Telkomsel eSIM is working

4. Check data balance:

• • Dial *888#

  • Should show your data package details

  • If this works, eSIM is fully functional

Success! Your eSIM is now active and ready to use.

Manual eSIM Setup: Android Step-by-Step

Prerequisites

• Android phone with eSIM support (Samsung S20+, Google Pixel 3+, OnePlus 9+, etc.)

• Android 9.0 or later

• Carrier-unlocked phone

• Internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)

• Your eSIM LPA string (full activation code)

Step 1: Navigate to SIM Settings

Path varies by manufacturer—try these options:

Option A: Standard Android (Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.) 

1. Open Settings 

2. Network & Internet 

3. SIM cards or Mobile Network 

4. Tap “+” icon or “Add SIM”

Option B: Samsung Galaxy 

1. Open Settings 

2. Connections 

3. SIM Manager or SIM card manager 

4. Tap “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan”

Option C: Search Method (Universal)

1. Open Settings 

2. Tap search icon (magnifying glass) 

3. Type “eSIM” 

4. Select “Add eSIM” from results

Step 2: Choose Manual Entry

On “Add eSIM” screen:

1. You’ll see options:

• • “Scan QR code from service provider”

  • “Enter activation code manually”

  • “Download from carrier app”

2. Tap “Enter activation code manually”

Step 3: Prepare Your LPA String

Android accepts the FULL LPA string—no need to split it.

Example of what you’ll paste:

LPA:1$telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com$QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

Important: 

- Include LPA:1$ at the beginning 

- Include both $ separators 

- Copy entire string (no partial entry) 

- No spaces before, after, or within the string

Where to find it: 

- Your BaliSIM confirmation email 

- Extracted from QR code (long-press barcode section) 

- Provided in text format alongside QR code

Step 4: Paste Activation Code

1. Long-press in the activation code field

2. Tap “Paste”

3. Full LPA string appears in field

Visual check: 

- Should start with LPA:1$ 

- Should have TWO dollar signs ($)

- Should be one continuous string (no line breaks)

Manual typing (if paste fails): 

- Type exactly as shown in your confirmation 

- Triple-check each character (one error = failure) 

Watch for confusing characters: 

- Lowercase “l” vs uppercase “I” vs number “1”

 - Uppercase “O” vs number “0”

Step 5: Confirm and Download

1. Tap “Activate” or “Download” (button name varies by manufacturer)

What happens: 

- Android validates the string format 

- Contacts the SM-DP+ server 

- Downloads your eSIM profile 

- Shows progress: “Downloading eSIM profile…” 

- Takes 30 seconds to 3 minutes

Status indicators: 

- “eSIM added successfully” — Perfect! Continue 

- “Invalid activation code” — Check for typos, retry 

- “Unable to connect to server” — Check internet connection

Step 6: Configure eSIM Settings

After successful download, Android asks:

1. “Name this SIM?” 

- Suggested names: “Telkomsel,” “Indonesia,” “Bali eSIM” 

- Helps you distinguish from physical SIM

2. “Use this SIM for mobile data?” 

- Recommendation: Yes (this is your data package) 

- Tap “Yes” or toggle ON

3. “Use this SIM for calls?” 

- Recommendation: Yes (allows incoming calls on Indonesian number) 

- If you only want data, select “No”

4. “Turn on mobile data?” 

- Recommendation: Yes (activate immediately)

Step 7: Set as Default Data SIM

Important for avoiding roaming charges:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards

2. You’ll see:

• • SIM 1: Your physical card (home country)

  • SIM 2: Telkomsel (new eSIM)

3. Tap “Mobile data” or “Default data SIM”

4. Select “SIM 2 - Telkomsel”

Result: All apps now use your Telkomsel data package (not your home data, which may have expensive roaming fees).

Step 8: Verify Activation

Check everything is working:

1. Status bar check:

• • You should see TWO signal icons

  • One for each SIM card

  • Look for “4G” or “5G” indicator on Telkomsel

2. Data test:

• • Turn OFF WiFi

  • Open Chrome/browser

  • Visit any website

  • If it loads quickly, eSIM data is active

3. Balance check:

• • Open phone dialer

  • Dial *888#

  • Press call

  • Should display data balance and expiry date

Success! Your Android eSIM is activated and working.

Comparison: iPhone vs Android Manual Setup

 

Verdict: Android’s manual method is slightly easier due to single-field paste vs. iPhone’s two-field entry.

Troubleshooting Manual Activation Issues

Problem 1: “Invalid Activation Code” or “Unable to Activate”

Possible causes & solutions:

Typo in SM-DP+ address or activation code 

• Copy-paste instead of manual typing 

• Double-check every character matches exactly 

• Remove accidental spaces before/after text 

• Verify no line breaks in pasted text

Missing protocol prefix (Android) 

• Ensure Android LPA string starts with LPA:1$ 

• Some emails cut off the prefix—scroll left to see full string

Code already used (rare) 

• Contact BaliSIM support—they’ll issue new eSIM

• Each activation code works only once

Problem 2: “Unable to Connect” or “Server Error”

Causes & solutions:

No internet connection during activation 

• Connect to WiFi or use home SIM’s mobile data 

• Try again once connected

SM-DP+ server temporarily down 

• Wait 10-15 minutes, retry 

• Telkomsel servers rarely down—usually resolves quickly

Carrier restrictions (rare) 

• Ensure phone is carrier-unlocked 

• Contact home carrier to verify unlock status

Problem 3: eSIM Activates But No Data Connection

Solutions:

Restart phone (forces network registration)

Verify eSIM is set as data line: - iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Make sure Telkomsel has “Data” next to it - Android: Settings > SIM cards > Mobile data > Select Telkomsel

Check APN settings (usually automatic, but sometimes needs manual config):

iPhone: 

- Settings > Cellular > Telkomsel > Cellular Data Network 

- APN: internet 

- Username: (blank) 

- Password: (blank)

Android: 

- Settings > Mobile Network > Access Point Names 

- Create new APN: - Name: Telkomsel 

- APN: internet 

- Leave all other fields blank 

- Save and select

Toggle airplane mode: 

- Turn airplane mode ON for 10 seconds 

- Turn OFF 

- Wait 30 seconds for network re-connection

Problem 4: Activation Seems Stuck (Spinning Wheel)

If activation hangs for 5+ minutes:

Don’t force close—give it 10 minutes first (servers can be slow)

Check internet stability: 

- Switch from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa 

- Try different WiFi network

Restart phone: 

- Hold power button, restart 

- Repeat activation process from Step 1

Contact BaliSIM support if multiple attempts fail:

- Email: cs@balisim.com 

- WhatsApp: +62 813-3977-4203 

- They can verify code validity and provide new code if needed

Problem 5: “Cellular Plan Not Available”

Meaning: Your phone doesn’t support eSIM

Check compatibility: 

- iPhone XS or newer required (iPhone 8, X, 7 don’t have eSIM) 

- Android: Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, OnePlus 9+ (check manufacturer specs)

Solution: Use physical SIM card instead—BaliSIM offers both options

Manual Activation Pro Tips

Tip 1: Take a Screenshot of Your Activation Details

Before starting: 

1. Screenshot the full LPA string from your email 

2. Screenshot SM-DP+ address and code separately 

3. Save to Photos app 

4. Easy reference during manual entry—no app switching needed

Tip 2: Use Notes App as Copy-Paste Workspace

iPhone users especially:

1. Open Notes app

2. Paste full LPA string

3. Manually separate components:

SM-DP+:
telkomsel-idn.rsp.instant-connectivity.com

Activation Code:
QZU3T-PBG9H-7JKL4-M2NXC

4. Copy each component individually when prompted by Settings

5. Reduces errors from trying to mentally separate components

Tip 3: Verify Character-by-Character for Manual Typing

If you must type manually (copy-paste unavailable):

Create a checklist: 

- SM-DP+ address: character 1-10 correct 

- SM-DP+ address: character 11-20 correct 

- SM-DP+ address: character 21-30 correct 

- Activation code: character 1-10 correct 

- Activation code: character 11-20 correct

Type slowly, verify small sections to catch errors before submission.

Tip 4: Activate on WiFi (Faster, More Stable)

Download speeds: 

- WiFi: 5-30 seconds for eSIM profile download 

- Mobile data: 30-120 seconds (slower, more prone to interruption)

Recommendation: Find WiFi (hotel, airport, cafe) for fastest, most reliable activation.

Tip 5: Keep Confirmation Email Accessible

Don’t rely on memory: 

- Add BaliSIM confirmation email to “Favorites” or “Flagged” 

- Forward to secondary email as backup 

- Take photo of printed version (if you printed)

Why: If activation fails multiple times, you may need to reference original details repeatedly—having quick access reduces frustration.

Alternative: Asking Someone to Help You Scan

If you have access to another device (friend’s phone, tablet, laptop):

Method A: Display QR Code on Second Device

1. Open your BaliSIM email on a laptop or friend’s phone

2. Increase brightness to maximum

3. Display QR code full-screen

4. Scan with your phone’s camera using standard eSIM QR setup

Advantage: Avoids manual typing entirely.

Method B: Print QR Code

1. Print BaliSIM confirmation email (hotel reception, print shop)

2. Scan printed QR code with phone camera

3. Standard activation process (no manual entry)

When this makes sense: 

- You’re not comfortable with manual entry 

- Multiple typing attempts have failed 

- Access to printer is easy (many Bali hotels offer printing for guests)

After Successful Activation: Next Steps

1. Test Data Connection Immediately

Don’t wait until you need it: 

1. Turn OFF WiFi 

2. Open browser, visit any website 

3. Open Instagram or another app 

4. Confirm data is working

2. Check Data Balance

Dial *888# to verify: 

- Package activated correctly 

- Data amount matches what you purchased 

- Expiry date is accurate

3. Set Up Gojek and Grab (If Needed)

Your Indonesian number is now active: 

- Find your number: Settings > Cellular/SIM cards > Telkomsel 

- Download Gojek and Grab apps - Register using your new Indonesian number - See our Gojek & Grab Setup Guide

4. Save eSIM Backup (Advanced Users)

iPhone allows eSIM profile transfer between devices: 

- If you upgrade phones later, you may be able to transfer Telkomsel eSIM 

- This is automatic if using iCloud backup 

- Android support varies by manufacturer

For most tourists: Not necessary—eSIM is only needed for trip duration.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is manual activation less secure than QR code scanning?

No, manual activation and QR scanning are equally secure—they use identical activation data. The QR code is just a convenience feature that visually encodes the exact same SM-DP+ address and activation code you’d type manually.

Think of it like typing a website URL vs. clicking a link—both take you to the same place, one is just faster.

2. Can I activate the same eSIM on multiple devices?

No. Each eSIM activation code works only once, on one device. Once you activate your BaliSIM eSIM on your iPhone, that same code cannot be used on your iPad or a second phone.

If you need eSIM for multiple devices: Purchase separate eSIM packages for each device from BaliSIM.com.

3. What if I make a mistake during manual entry?

Before tapping “Activate”: Just backspace and fix the error—no consequences.

After tapping “Activate” and getting error: You can try again unlimited times with the same code—activation codes don’t “burn” from failed attempts.

After successful activation: If you activated by mistake on wrong phone or want to move it, contact BaliSIM support—they may be able to issue replacement code (no guarantees).

4. How long does manual activation take compared to QR scanning?

QR scanning: 30 seconds to 2 minutes
Manual entry: 3-5 minutes (including time to type/paste)
Network download (both methods): Same 30-120 seconds

Difference: ~2-3 extra minutes for manual typing—negligible if QR scanning isn’t an option.

5. Can I switch back to QR code activation if manual entry fails?

Yes, if you can get the QR code displayed or printed. The activation code remains valid regardless of how many methods you try.

Example: You try manual entry, it fails. You then email the QR code to a friend, they display it on their laptop, you scan it—this works fine. The code doesn’t care which method succeeds.

Conclusion: Manual Setup is Simple When You Know How

Manual eSIM activation might sound intimidating, but it’s actually straightforward: extract your activation details, enter them carefully in your phone’s settings, and wait for the download to complete. 

Whether you’re using iPhone’s two-field method or Android’s single-string paste, the result is identical to QR scanning—a fully activated, working eSIM ready to keep you connected throughout Bali.

Key Takeaways:

• Manual activation uses same data as QR code—just typed instead of scanned

• iPhone needs 2 fields (SM-DP+ address + activation code separated)

• Android needs 1 string (full LPA string with LPA:1$ prefix)

• Copy-paste preferred over manual typing (reduces errors)

• Activation takes 3-5 minutes plus 30-120 seconds for profile download

• Extract details from QR code by long-pressing barcode section

• Both methods are equally secure and reliable

Your Next Steps:

1. Locate your BaliSIM eSIM activation details (email confirmation)

2. Extract LPA string or components using methods in this guide

3. Follow platform-specific steps (iPhone or Android section above)

4. Enter details carefully (copy-paste when possible)

5. Wait for activation (30-120 seconds)

6. Test data connection immediately

7. Register Gojek & Grab with your new Indonesian number

Internal Links: 

- Get Your BaliSIM eSIM — Purchase with activation details 

- eSIM Phone Number Guide — Understand your new number 

- Set Up Gojek & Grab — Use Indonesian number

Need help? 

Contact BaliSIM support: 

- Email: cs@balisim.com 

- WhatsApp: +62 813-3977-4203 

- Response time: Usually within 2-4 hours

Whether you’re manually entering activation details because of a technical limitation or personal preference, you’ll be connected to Bali’s fast Telkomsel network in just a few minutes—no QR code required.